Why Do My Lights Flicker? Common Causes and Fixes

Flickering lights are common, and while some causes are harmless, others point to a fault worth taking seriously. Here is how to tell the difference.

Usually harmless

• A loose bulb. Turn the power off and check the bulb is screwed or seated in properly.
• Incompatible LED and dimmer. If dimmable LEDs flicker or buzz, the dimmer often is not matched to them. Fitting a compatible dimmer usually fixes it.
• A large appliance starting up. A brief dim when the aircon or a pump kicks in is normal, though frequent heavy dimming is worth checking.

Worth taking seriously

• Several lights or whole rooms flickering. This can indicate a loose connection or an ageing switchboard.
• Flickering with a burning smell or warm switches. Turn the power off and call an electrician straight away.
• Loose or deteriorating wiring. Loose connections generate heat and are a genuine fire risk.

When to call us

If the flickering is more than a single bulb or a dimmer, it is worth having it checked. We will find the cause, whether it is a connection, a circuit or the switchboard, and fix it properly before it becomes a hazard.

Talk to a licensed local electrician

DHG Electrical Services is a locally owned electrical business serving Moreton Bay and Brisbane. We hold Electrical Contractor Licence 90356, are members of Master Electricians Australia, and back every new install with our lifetime workmanship guarantee. For a free, no-pressure quote, call us on (07) 3205 1752 or request a quote online.

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